Method and apparatus for preserving and protecting data discs

ABSTRACT

A data disc protector and a method for using same to protect data discs stored in data disc storage cases is disclosed. Embodiments of the data disc protector comprise a protective sheet of material sized to fit between a data disc and a back cover of a data disc storage case and adapted to form a barrier between the back cover and the data disc when sandwiched between a data disc and the back cover. The data disc protector forms a physical barrier inhibiting the transfer of airborne hydrocarbons emitted by plastics in the storage case to the disc and preventing the data disc from contacting the back cover during storage. Embodiments of the data disc protector are made of a material that traps hydrocarbons. Embodiments of the data disc protector are provided with a central aperture adapted to allow installation on a hub in the storage case.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application relates generally to protecting a data disc fromdegradation and more particularly to a protector apparatus and methodfor preventing damage to a data disc stored in a storage case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Data discs, such as compact discs (“CDs”) and digital vided discs(“DVDs”), typically have large amounts of digitally stored information(data) that is optically readable via a laser mounted on a movable headduring rotation of the disc. Data discs are made from laminated layersof plastic. The information is arranged in one or more data layers oncircular tracks that can be accessed by the laser through a transparentback layer of the disc. Multiple data layers may be separated byinterspersing layers. In addition, discs are typically covered by aprotective top layer of the disc that can have labeling applied theretosuch as by silkscreening, thermal printing or ink jet printing.

[0003] Protective storage cases are typically used to store and protectthe data discs. Prior art storage cases typically comprise a top coveror door side, and a back cover or disc side. Each cover is pivotablycoupled to a central spine portion to form what is referred to as a“living hinge.” The living hinge allows the covers to pivot toward eachother to close the case and encapsulate the disc. The storage cases aretypical ly made of polypropylene, vinyl, or some other plastic fordurability. There are many examples of such storage cases in the art.

[0004] The discs are typically held in the storage case via a hub on thedisc side designed to penetrate a central hole in the disc. The hub istypically equipped with a retaining mechanism that holds the disc withina disc-shaped recess, sometimes referred- to as a disc retentionsurface, in the storage case.

[0005] Data discs may be easily damaged in a number of ways. Forexample, the bottom of transparent surface of the discs may be scratchedrendering the discs unusable. Another common form of damage occurs whenthe laminated layers of the discs become separated. The separation maybe due to repeated thermal stress or can be the result of repeatedflexing of the discs. It should be noted, that recordable disks such asCD-Rs, CD-RWs, and DVD-Rs, are more susceptible to the delamination thanread-only discs because of their method of construction.

[0006] Another, less well known, source of damage to data discs occursdue to long term degradation of the discs while in storage. As discussedabove, most data discs are stored in storage cases. It has beendetermined that long term storage of data discs in storage cases such asthose described above actually accelerates the degradation of the datadiscs over the long term in several ways.

[0007] First, the bottom layer of the data disc may be “clouded” by longterm storage in a plastic storage case. Plastics, as is well known, “offgas” or emit various hydrocarbons and petroleum-based gases over time aspart of their curing and degradation process. When exposed to heat, theoff-gassing problem is exacerbated. It has been found that thesehydrocarbon gases can cloud the bottom transparent layer (the “datasurface”) of the disc. The clouding may be due to physical deposition ofthe gas on the data surface. In addition, the gases may also react withthe plastic of the disc to cause chemical clouding. The clouding reducesthe transparency of the transparent layer of the data surface of thedisc and therefore inhibits the ability of laser to read the data storedwithin the disc, ultimately rendering the disc unreadable. Long termstorage, especially if coupled with exposure to heat also may cause thestorage case material to bond with or otherwise physically attach to anyportion of the disc that is in contact with the case, further damagingthe disc.

[0008] Discs may also be damaged by repeated removal and replacement ofthe discs from the cases. Many users typically bend data discs whenremoving them from storage cases or replacing them. This occurs becauseoften when the restraining mechanism of the hub is pressed to releasethe disc, it does not effectively eject the disc from the case. The useris then forced to attempt to grasp an edge of the disc and lift it fromthe case. Often this will result in a slight flexing of the disc which,over time, can lead to the separation of laminated layers as well asscratches to the bottom surface. In addition, in most cases it is nearlyimpossible for users to remove a disc from the case without forcing atleast some portion of the disc surface (typically the data surface) tocontact the case. This leads to an accumulation of scratches on the datasurface over time.

[0009] Yet another drawback of a typical storage cases is that theretention device in the hub often does not hold the disc firmly so thatthe disc does not rattle or vibrate within the case. This can occur forseveral reasons, and is often due to damaged retention devices caused byusers improperly removing or replacing a disc. Loose discs will rattleand impact against the case when exposed to vibration.

[0010] Even with these drawbacks, storage cases have become extremelypopular. However, as data discs are relatively new, most consumers areunaware that the storage cases will damage discs stored in them over thelong term. Now that the problem has been identified, there is a need fora way to protect data discs that are to be stored for a long period oftime in typical storage cases. The present invention provides a solutionto this and other problems, and offers other advantages over the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Against this backdrop the present invention has been developed. Adata disc protector and a method for using same to protect data discsstored in data disc storage cases is disclosed. Embodiments of the datadisc protector comprise a protective sheet of material sized to fitbetween a data disc and a back cover of a data disc storage case andadapted to form a barrier between the back cover and the data disc whensandwiched between the data disc and the back cover. The data discprotector forms a physical barrier inhibiting the transfer of airbornehydrocarbons emitted by plastics in the storage case to the disc andpreventing the data disc from contacting the back cover during storage.Embodiments of the data disc protector are made of a material that trapshydrocarbons. Embodiments of the data disc protector are provided with acentral aperture adapted to allow installation on a hub in the storagecase. Embodiments of the data disc protector are made from acompressible material that assists in the retention and disengagement ofdata discs retained in the storage case.

[0012] These and various other features as well as advantages whichcharacterize the present invention will be apparent from a reading ofthe following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a typical data disc storage case,a data disc, and an embodiment of a data disc protector in accordancewith the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of a data disc protectorinstalled on a hub of a storage case and sandwiched between the case'sback cover and a data disc retained on the hub in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of data disc protector forCDs and DVDs.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of data disc protector formini discs.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a data disc protectorhaving a perforated ring.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method of protecting a data discduring storage with an embodiment of a data disc protector.

[0019]FIG. 6A presents yet another embodiment of a data disc protectorin accordance with the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the data disc protector shownin FIG. 6A installed and attached to a CD data disc.

[0021]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a data disc protector having one tabfor attaching directly to a data disc.

[0022]FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a data disc protector having fourtabs for attaching directly to a data disc.

[0023]FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a data disc protector having twotabs defined by perforations in the protective sheet.

[0024]FIG. 10A presents yet another embodiment of a substantiallydisc-shaped data disc protector having two tabs for attaching the datadisc protector to a data disc.

[0025]FIG. 10B shows the data disc protector of FIG. 10A installed on adata disc to form a barrier that protects one of the data disc'ssurfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a typical data disc storage case10 and an embodiment of a data disc protector 110 in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 1A shows a typical folding data disc storagecase 10 for holding a data disc 20 such as a DVD, VCD, CD or CD-ROM discor mini disc.

[0027] The storage case 10 has a front cover 14 connected by a hingeportion 16 to a back cover 12. The front cover 14 and back cover 12 foldtogether via the hinge portion to enclose a compartment. The compartmentis typically sized to hold at least one data disc 20 and may alsocontain room for a small booklet (not shown). For example, in thestorage case embodiment shown in FIG. 1A there are two retention clips26, 28 on the front cover adapted to retain a booklet or informationsheet (not shown). Typical storage cases 10 incorporate plasticcomponents. For example, the storage cases 10 such as that shown in FIG.1A are often made entirely of plastic, being stamped, molded, orotherwise formed from a single piece of plastic.

[0028] Storage cases may be equipped with many different devices forretaining one or more data discs 20. The storage case shown in FIG. 1Ashows one common device, a hub portion 100 on the back cover 12. The hubportion 100 is adapted to engage and retain a data disc 20 by itscentral hole 22. This is typically achieved by including some type ofretaining device as part of the hub portion. Hub portions 100 adapted toretain data discs 20 are well known in the art. Typically, the hubportion 100 is adapted to engage and retain the data disc 20 against theback cover 12 so that at least some portion of the data disc 20 ispressed against the back cover 12 when the data disc 20 is retained onthe hub portion 100. As mentioned above, a hub portion is just one meansfor retaining a data disc in the storage case 10. Other means are wellknown in the art and are also contemplated and suitable for use withembodiments of the present invention. For example, storage casescontaining sleeves, notches for engaging an edge of a disc and opposingpressure points are possible.

[0029] As discussed above, a data disc 20 typically includes a datasurface and a labeled surface. It is common for users to place datadiscs in a storage case 10 such as the one shown in FIG. 1A with thedata surface facing the back cover 12, so that the labeled surface facesthe user when opening the storage case 10. When stored in this manner,the data surface of the data disc 20 may come into contact with the backcover 12 during transportation of the storage case 10 and when the userremoves the data disc 20. In some storage cases, a data disc retentionsurface 30, sometimes including a contact ring 32, may be included inthe back cover 12. This may be designed to limit the contact of the datasurface to specific locations on the data surface. For example, in FIG.1A, a retained data disc will physically contact at least a portion ofthe data disc retention surface 30 of the back cover 12. In theembodiment of the storage case 10 shown, the data disc retention surface30 includes that portion of the storage case 10 the data surface of aretained data disc 20 contacts while in storage and that portion of thestorage case 10 that the data surface is directly exposed to. Forexample, the data disc retention surface 30 of the storage case 10 shownin FIG. 1A includes the contact ring 32, a portion of the flange aroundthe hub portion 100 and that portion of the back cover 12 between thecontact ring 32 and the hub 100. Other configurations are possible.

[0030] One common element of the data disc storage cases 10, is that thedata surface of a retained data disc 20 is exposed to airbornehydrocarbons that are emitted by the plastic into the storagecompartment. This occurs even when a data disc retention surface 30 isprovided and there is substantially no air flow between the spacecreated between the data disc retention surface 30 and a retained datadisc 20, and the rest of the storage compartment. This is because thedata retention surface 30 is itself made of plastic and hydrocarbons arethus emitted directly into the space created between the data discretention surface and a retained data disc 20. As discussed in thebackground, it is important to reduce the exposure of the data surfaceof the data disc to such emitted airborne hydrocarbons to preventclouding of the data surface.

[0031] An embodiment of a data disc protector 110 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 1A. The data disc protector 110 isdesigned to be sandwiched between the data disc's 20 data surface andthe back cover 12 of the storage case 10. When sandwiched in thismanner, the data disc protector forms a physical and a chemical barrierbetween a retained data disc 20 and the back cover 12. Furthermore, thedata disc protector 110 when sandwiched between a data disc 20 retainedon the hub portion 100 and the back cover 12 prevents the retained datadisc 20 from coming into physical contact with the data disc retentionsurface 30.

[0032] The data disc protector 110 is preferably made of a soft and thinsheet of protective material. The material should not scratch or scuffthe surface of the data disc. The material can be made of fabric orcloth. One embodiment of a data disc protector was made from Airtexdecking material which is a nylon/cotton/flame retardant blend commonlyused in the manufacture of household furniture and furniture foraircraft and automobiles. One benefit of the Airtex material is that itdoes not emit, and in fact absorbs hydrocarbons. This allows the datadisc protector 110 to act like a chemical barrier that absorbshydrocarbons as the hydrocarbons attempt to diffuse through thematerial. In the embodiment, the cotton of the Airtex material absorbshydrocarbons while the nylon prevents the protective sheet fromscratching the surface of data disc it contacted. This material provideda physical and chemical barrier, was soft and did not excessively wearthe surface of the data disc, and also provided sufficient compressionto firmly hold and assist in the release of a retained data disc (seebelow for a more detailed discussion of the desirability of acompressive material). Other materials are also suitable includingnatural fabrics such as cotton and wool. Synthetic fabrics and blends ofhydrocarbon absorbing materials and synthetic fabrics are, too,suitable. However, for those materials care should be taken to ensurethat the sheet does not, on the whole, emit hydrocarbons.

[0033] Embodiments of the data disc protector 110 are also made out of acompressible material. When a compressible data disc protector 110 issandwiched between a data disc 20 and the back cover 12, the data disc20 must be forced onto the hub portion 100 by compressing at least aportion of the data disc protector 110. The compression causes thecompressed portion of the data disc protector 110 to act like a springhaving stored potential energy. While the disc 20 is retained, a forceis applied between the retained data disc 20 and the retention deviceincluded in the hub portion 100. The force causes the data disc 20 to betightly retained and prevents the data disc from rotating about the hub100. This is beneficial as it prevents wear on the central hole 22 ofthe data disc 20. It also generally inhibits movement of the data disc20 during transportation of the storage case, thus reducing unwantedimpacts between the data disc and the disc retention surface 30.

[0034] Another advantage of the compressible data disc protector 110 isthat it allows a user to orient the label of the data disc 20 so that itmatches the orientation of a label on the folding data disc storage case10. Without the compressive force on the data disc, most storage cases10 with hub portions 100 allow a retained data disc 20 to rotate aboutthe hub portion 100. This means that each time a storage case is opened,the data disc 20 will be in a random orientation relative to the labelon the storage case 10. Use of a compressible data disc protector 110prevents this rotation and keeps the data disc in the orientation inwhich it is installed in the storage case 10.

[0035] The spring action of the compressed data disc protector 110 alsoassists the user in disengaging the data disc from the hub portion 100.When the data disc 20 is disengaged, the potential energy is releasedand the data disc 20 is pushed away from the back cover 12 and off thehub portion 100 as the data disc protector 110 springs back to itsoriginal thickness. This allows the user to easily remove the data disc20 without having to bend the disc 20 in order to remove it from the hubportion 100. As discussed above, bending data discs can significantlydamage them. Thus, the spring action provided by a compressible datadisc protector 110 will increase the useable life of a data disc. Thedata disc protector 110 also assists in the disengagement of a retaineddata disc 20 by allowing a user to pull substantially horizontally (i.e.in the, plane of the data disc 20) on an edge of the data disc protector110 that extends beyond the retained data disc 20. This causes the datadisc 20 to be lifted away from the data retention surface 30 withoutflexing the data disc 20.

[0036] The data disc protector 110 shown in FIG. 1A is shown having acentral aperture 112 sized to receive the hub 100 and allow the datadisc protector to be installed on the hub. The actual size of theaperture is determined by the size of the hub portion 100 that the datadisc protector 110 is to be installed upon. The central aperture 112 isonly necessary when used in conjunction with storage cases that use ahub portion 100 to retain data discs. Alternative embodiments of thedata disc protector 110, for example those designed for use with storagecases having sleeves, do not include a central aperture. In thealternative embodiments, the data disc protector 110 comprises sheets ofprotective material sized and shaped to be used in conjunction with thestorage case's specific retention device.

[0037] Yet another advantage of the data disc protector 110 is that itforms a diffusion barrier between the data surface of the data disc 20and the back cover 12. This barrier inhibits the transfer ofhydrocarbons between the data surface of the data-disc 20 and the datadisc storage case 10. As discussed above, plastic emits hydrocarbons inthe air that are detrimental to data discs 20. Storage cases 10 made ofor with plastic will emit hydrocarbons into the storage compartment.These hydrocarbons may react with or otherwise degrade a retained datadisc over time. By providing a data disc protector 110 that forms aphysical barrier between the data surface of the data disc 20 and theback cover 12, the transfer of hydrocarbons between the back cover 12and the data surface will be inhibited, thus reducing the degradation ofthe data surface over time.

[0038] Embodiments of the data disc protector 110 go further by makingthe data disc protector 110 out of a protective sheet of material thattraps, chemically or physically, hydrocarbons. The material maychemically absorb the hydrocarbons by binding to them, as discussedabove. For example, this can be achieved by including a small amount ofactivated carbon within the protective sheet. Another embodiment uses asheet that comprises a micro mesh of material that physically traps thehydrocarbons with the mesh.

[0039]FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a data disc 20 retained onthe hub portion 100 in the storage case 10 of FIG. 1A showing the datadisc protector 110 therebetween. A cross section of the folding datadisc storage case 10 (in a closed aspect) through the center of the hubportion 100 is shown. FIG. 1B clearly shows the storage compartment 36formed when the front cover 14 and the back cover 12 are foldedtogether. Also shown is the second compartment 38 formed between thedata disc retention surface 30 and the data surface 40 of a data disc 20retained on the hub 100. The second compartment being defined by thecontact ring 32, the data disc retention surface 30 of the back cover12, the data surface 40 of the data disc 20, and the hub portion 100.FIG. 1B shows an embodiment of a flexible data disc protector 110,sandwiched between the data disc 20 and the back cover 12. Note that theflexibility allows the data disc protector 110 to contact the datadisc's data surface 40 substantially only in those locations where thedata disc 20 would otherwise contact the data disc retention surface 30(in this case the hub portion 100 and the contact ring 32) if there wereno data disc protector 110.

[0040]FIG. 1B further illustrates the emission of hydrocarbons 34 intothe storage compartments as signified by the wavy arrows. In theembodiment shown, the folding data disc storage case 10 is made entirelyof plastic and hydrocarbons 34 are constantly emitted into the storagecompartments. An inspection of the data disc protector 110 shows that itserves as a physical barrier to the hydrocarbons 34 emitted by the datadisc retention surface 30 in the second compartment 38. Furthermore, thedata disc protector serves as a seal between the data disc retentionsurface 30 and the data surface 40 from the main storage compartment 36(in the embodiment shown, by acting as a seal between the contact ring32 and the data disc 20) and the airborne hydrocarbons 34 emitted intoit.

[0041] The folding data disc storage case of FIGS. 1A and 1B is but oneexample of a data disc storage case for which embodiments of the presentinvention are suitable for use. Other data storage case designs are alsoapplicable, such as a “jewel” case or a folding ‘book’ containing leaveswherein each leave retains one or more data discs either in a sleeve orby some other means. Another example of a data disc storage case is acylindrical case that has a circular base portion with a cylindrical hubextending therefrom sized to penetrate the central aperture of datadiscs. The cylindrical hub will typically have a length capable ofholding a number of data discs, such as for example 10 discs. Thecylindrical case also includes a cylindrical cover that fits over thehub and engages the base to enclose any data discs retained on andpenetrated by the hub. Such cylindrical cases are common for storingCD-Rs.

[0042]FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of data disc protector 200sized for to protect a standard compact disc (CD) or Digital Video Disc(DVD) while stored in an embodiment of a typical, plastic storage caseequipped with a hub portion such as that shown in FIG. 1A. The data discprotector 200 shown has a central aperture 202 with a diameter of 0:575inches, an outer diameter 204 of 5.0 inches and a width 210 of 0.012inches. The 0.575 inch aperture 202 diameter is preferable, butacceptable diameters range from 0.59 and 0.55 inches. For an outerdiameter 204, while the preferred diameter is 5.0 inches, acceptablediameters range from 4.5 to 7.5 inches. When not compressed, embodimentsof the data disc protector 200 preferably have a width 210 ranging from0.01 to 0.1 inches, ranging more preferably from 0.015 to 0.01 inchesand most preferably from 0.012 to 0.015 inches. When compressed,embodiments of the data disc protector 200 preferably have a width 210ranging from 0.001 to 0.05 inches, ranging more preferably from 0.005 to0.025 inches and most preferably from 0.005 to 0.01 inches. In anembodiment of the present invention, the data disc protector 200 had awidth 210 of 0.0075 inches when fully compressed.

[0043]FIG. 3 presents an alternative embodiment of the present inventionfor use with a mini data disc in a folding data storage case adapted toretain mini discs. The data disc protector 300 shown has a centralaperture 302 with a diameter of 0.575 inches, an outer diameter 304 of3.40 inches and a width 310 of 0.012 inches. The 0.575 inch centralaperture 302 diameter is preferable, but acceptable diameters range from0.59 and 0.55 inches. For an outer diameter 304, while the preferreddiameter is 3.4 inches, acceptable diameters range from 3.0 to 7.5inches. When not compressed, embodiments of the data disc protector 300preferably have a width 310 ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 inches, rangingmore preferably from 0.015 to 0.01 inches and most preferably between0.012 and 0.015 inches. When compressed, embodiments of the data discprotector 300 preferably have a width 310 ranging from 0.001 to 0.05inches, ranging more preferably from 0.005 to 0.025 inches and mostpreferably between 0.005 and 0.01 inches. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the data disc protector 300 had a width 310 of 0.0075inches when fully compressed.

[0044]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment a data disc protector 400 inaccordance with the present invention. The data disc protector 400 issimilar to that shown in FIG. 2 in size and preferable ranges. However,the disc protector 400 is provided with a ring 402 of perforationsbetween the central aperture 404 and the outer diameter 406. The ring402 defines a second diameter so that when the perforations are torn andthe material between the outer diameter 406 and the ring 402 is removed,the data disc protector 400 now has a new outer diameter equal to thatof the ring 402. This allows the disc to be used to protect data discssuch as CDs and DVDs or modified (by tearing the perforations andremoving the outer portion of protective material) to be used to protecta second data disc of a smaller size. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,for example, the ring 402 is sized to allow the data disc protector 400to be modified to protect standard mini discs. It will be immediatelysuggested to one skilled in the art that numerous such rings 402 may beprovided allowing the data disc protector 400 to be modified to be usedwith multiple data disc sizes and, even, multiple hub sizes.

[0045] Yet another embodiment is a data disc protector 400 providedwithout a central aperture 404, but provided with one or more rings 402of perforations allowing the data disc protector 400 to suitable for usewith hub-less storage cases while still easily modifiable for use withdata disc storage cases that utilize a hub to retain data discs while instorage.

[0046]FIG. 5 presents an embodiment of a method of protecting a datadisc during storage using a data disc protector. The method 500 startswith a providing operation 502 in which a folding data disc storage caseand a data disc to be installed in the storage case are provided. Theprovided folding data disc storage case includes a back cover and afront cover that are adapted to fold together to enclose the data disc.The back cover is further adapted to retain the data disc against theback cover.

[0047] After providing the storage case and data disc, in aninstallation operation 504 a data disc protector is installed on theback cover followed by the installation of the data disc so that thedata disc protector is sandwiched between the data disc to form abarrier between a data surface of the data disc and the storage case.

[0048] Finally, the method ends with folding operation 506 wherein thedata disc storage case being folded to enclose the retained data disc.The method protects the data surface of the data disc by providing aphysical barrier between the data disc and storage case to inhibit thetransfer of hydrocarbons from the storage case to the data disc andfurther protects the data disc from contact with the storage case.

[0049] If the data disc storage case provided in the providing operationutilizes a hub to retain the data disc, then the installation operation504 includes installing the data disc protector on the hub to place itadjacent to the back cover and a data disc retention surface, if any.Then the data disc is engaged and retained on the hub with the datasurface of the data disc facing the data disc protector.

[0050] Furthermore, if the data disc protector is a compressibleembodiment of the data disc protector, the installation operation 504includes a compressing operation (not shown) compressing the data discprotector between the back cover and the data disc. The compressingoperation stores potential energy in the data disc protector which willbe released when the data disc is disengaged from the hub.

[0051] The installation operation 504 may also include an orientationoperation (not shown) wherein a label on the data disc is oriented to apreferred viewing orientation. For example, the preferred viewingorientation may be one where the data disc label and a label on thestorage case have the same viewing orientation.

[0052] Yet another embodiment of the method 500 includes fixing the datadisc protector to the folding data disc storage case as part of theinstallation operation 504. For example, the data disc protector may bebuilt into the back cover as a permanent element by fixing it to theback cover using adhesive or a mechanical attachment.

[0053]FIG. 6A presents yet another embodiment of a data disc protector600 in accordance with the present invention. The data disc protector600 is substantially disc shaped having an outer diameter 606substantially equal to or greater than that of the data surface of thedata disc for which the data disc protector 600 is designed to protect.

[0054] The data disc protector 600 differs from previous embodiments inthat the protective sheet is provided with two opposing tabs 602, 604cut into the protective sheet. The tabs 602, 604 are sized to allowpenetration of a CD or other data disc provided with a central hole. Thetabs 602, 604 may be sized to allow easy penetration providing arelatively loose attachment to the data disc. More preferably, the tabs602, 604 may be sized slightly larger than the central hole of the datadisc. While this requires more effort on the user's part to insert thetabs 602, 604 into the central hole, the bunching up of the protectivesheet material in the tabs 602, 604 will result in a more positiveattachment to the data disc. The tabs are shown as roughly half circlesin shape. Other shapes are possible as long as the tabs are sized topenetrate the central hole and thereby form an attachment to the datadisc.

[0055]FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the data disc protector 600shown in FIG. 6A installed and attached to a CD 608. In FIG. 6B the twotabs of the data disc protector 600 have penetrated the central hole 610of the CD 608. When attached to the CD 608 in this fashion, the datadisc protector 600 will be retained against the CD 608. If attached sothat the tabs 602, 604 are on the label side of the CD 608, the datadisc protector 600 will cover the data surface of the CD 608. If thecombination is then stored in a storage case or even a storage sleeve,the data disc protector 600 will protect the data surface from contactwhile also forming a barrier to airborne hydrocarbons that may beemitted into the storage environment.

[0056] Alternative embodiments of are possible. FIG. 7 shows anembodiment of a data disc protector 700 having one tab 702. FIG. 8 showsan embodiment of a data disc protector 800 having four tabs 802, 804,806, 808; FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a data disc protector 900 havingtwo tabs 902, 904, however, the tabs 902, 904 are defined byperforations in the protective sheet. For the tabs 902, 904 to be used,the perforations must be torn out by the user. Other embodiments will beimmediately suggested to those in the art.

[0057] For example, FIGS. 10A and 10B present yet another embodiment ofa substantially disc-shaped data disc protector 1000 having two tabs forattaching the data disc protector 1000 to a data disc 1006. The datadisc protector 1000 has two tabs 1002, 1004 made by cutting two arcs1005, 1007 into the protective sheet. In the embodiment shown, the arcs1005, 1007 are portions of a circle 1001 substantially equal to thediameter of a central hole 1008 of the data disc 1006. Another cutbisects the circle 1001 and the two arcs 1005, 1007 thus creating twohalf-circle shaped tabs in the data disc protector 1000. FIG. 10A showsthe data disc protector 1000 with the tabs 1002, 1004 as it could bemanufactured and provided to end users.

[0058]FIG. 10B shows the data disc protector 1000 attached or installed,if you will, on a data disc 1006. Installation of the data discprotector 1000 is simple; all a user needs do is place the data discprotector 1000 against a surface of the data disc 1006 to be protected,press the tabs 1002, 1004 through the central hole 1008 of the data disc1006 with a finger and fold the tabs 1002, 1004 down against theopposite surface of the data disc 1006. Note that two of these data discprotectors 1000 could be used, each protecting an alternate surface ofthe data disc 1006.

[0059] It should be noted that embodiments of the data disc protectordiscussed above could be using in data disc storage cases that do notpositively retain the data discs while enclosed in the storage cases,such as a storage case that is simply a box sized to hold data discs.For such storage cases, a data disc protector adapted to penetrate thecentral hole of the data disc and attach thereto could be used for eachdata disc stored in the storage case. Thus preventing damage to the datasurface of the storage discs. Embodiments of the data disc protectordisclosed herein may be sold individually or provided with data discstorage cases, either preinstalled in the storage case or as a kit thatis assembled by the end user.

[0060] It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted toattain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherenttherein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described forpurposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may bemade which are well within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, small features could be added to the protective sheet thatenhance the data disc protector's ability to attach to a data disc orensure proper positioning. A small wire could be included in the tabs ofthe data disc protector, for instance that would ensure that the tabswhen pressed through a disc's central hole and folded down, positivelyattach to the data disc. Yet another improvement would be to provide adata disc protector with a hub thereon. Such a protector could be usedin a storage case for multiple data discs comprising a simple box withno other retention devices. The hub on the data disc protectors wouldprevent them from moving relative to the data discs during storage.Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselvesto those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit ofthe invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data disc protector for use in a data discstorage case adapted to retain a data disc having a data surface, atleast a portion of the data disc storage case made of plastic that emitsairborne hydrocarbons, the data disc protector comprising: a protectivesheet sized to fit between the between the portion of the data discstorage case and a data disc retained in the data disc storage case,operable to form a barrier inhibiting the transfer of the airbornehydrocarbons between a data surface of the data disc and the plasticportion of the data disc storage case.
 2. The data disc protector ofclaim 1 wherein the data disc storage case is a folding data discstorage case having a front cover and a back cover that fold together toform a compartment adapted to retain a data disc having a data surface,the data disc protector further comprising: the protective sheet sizedto fit between the between the portion of the folding data disc storagecase and a data disc retained in the folding data disc storage case,operable to form a barrier inhibiting the transfer of the airbornehydrocarbons between the data surface of the data disc and thecompartment.
 3. The data disc protector of claim 2, wherein a majorityof the data disc storage case is made of plastic that emits airbornehydrocarbons and the back cover comprises a hub adapted to engage andretain the data disc against the back cover with the data surface of thedata disc facing the back cover, the protective sheet furthercomprising: a central aperture for receiving the hub and sized tocompletely cover the data surface of the data disc and, when installedon the hub and sandwiched between the back cover and the data surface ofa data disc retained on the hub, operable to form a barrier inhibitingthe transfer of the airborne hydrocarbons between the data surface ofthe data disc and the data disc storage case.
 4. The data disc protectorof claim 3, wherein the protective sheet includes a material that trapshydrocarbons.
 5. The data disc protector of claim 1, wherein theprotective sheet is substantially disc shaped having an outer diameterapproximately equal to an outer diameter of the data surface of the datadisc, the protective sheet having one or more tabs formed thereinadapted to penetrate a central hole of the data disc and attach the datadisc protector to the data disc during storage.
 6. The data discprotector of claim 3, wherein the protective sheet, when installedbetween the back cover and the retained data disc, inhibits the datadisc from rotating about the hub.
 7. The data disc protector of claim 3,wherein the protective sheet is made of a compressible material that,when installed on the hub between the back cover and a retained datadisc, provides a spring that lifts the data disc from the back coverwhen a retaining device on the hub is disengaged by a user.
 8. The datadisc protector of claim 3, wherein the protective sheet is made of amaterial that will not scratch the data surface of the data disc and theprotective sheet prevents the data surface of the data disc from cominginto contact with the back cover.
 9. The data disc protector of claim 2further comprising at least one ring of perforations concentric with theaperture, each ring separating an inner portion from an outer portionand defining a second outer diameter that is created when theperforations are torn and the outer portion is removed, the second outerdiameter sized approximately equal to a second data disc's outerdiameter.
 10. A method of protecting a data disc during storage, thedata disc having a data surface, comprising: providing a folding datadisc storage case, the folding data disc storage case having a topcover, a back cover, and a hub adapted to engage and retain the datadisc against the back cover with a data surface of the data disc facingthe back cover, the front cover and back cover adapted to fold togetherto enclose a retained data disc retained on the hub; and sandwiching adata disc protector between the back cover and the retained data disc,the data disc protector operable to, form a barrier inhibiting thetransfer of hydrocarbons between the data surface of the data disc andthe folding data disc storage case.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinthe protective sheet comprises an aperture sized to allow installationon the hub and wherein the sandwiching operation comprises: installingthe data disc protector on the hub with the data disc protector adjacentto the back cover; retaining the data disc on the hub with the datasurface of the data disc adjacent to the data disc protector and thedata disc protector between the data surface of the data disc and theback cover; and folding the front cover and the back cover together toenclose the data disc and the data disc protector in the folding datadisc storage case.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the retainingoperation further comprises: compressing the data disc protector betweenthe back cover and the data disc, the compressing force being releasedwhen the data disc is disengaged from the hub by springing the data discfrom the hub.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the data discprotector prevents the data surface of the data disc from coming intocontact with the back cover when the data disc is retained on the hub.14. The method of claim 11, wherein the data disc further comprises alabel surface opposite the data surface, the label surface having alabel with a preferred viewing orientation, and wherein the retainingoperation further comprises: orienting the data disc so that thepreferred viewing orientation of the label is the same as a preferredviewing orientation of the front cover.
 15. The method of claim 10,further comprising: fixing the data disc protector to the data discstorage case.
 16. A data disc storage case kit for storing a data disc,the data disc having a data surface, the kit comprising: a front cover;a back cover, the back cover having a data disc retention surface and ahub, the hub having a data disc retention device for engaging andretaining a data disc thereon, the front cover and back cover operableto fold together and enclose a data disc retained on the hub; and a datadisc protector including a protective sheet, wherein the data discprotector, when installed between a retained data disc and the backcover, is operable to prevent the retained data disc from contacting thedata disc retention surface.
 17. The data disc storage case kit of claim16, wherein the data disc protector when installed between a retaineddata disc and the back cover is operable to form a barrier inhibitingthe transfer of hydrocarbons from the data disc retention surface to thedata disc.
 18. The data disc storage case kit of claim 17, wherein theprotective sheet is made of a material that absorbs hydrocarbons. 19.The data disc storage case kit of claim 16, wherein the protective sheetis mounted to the hub via an aperture sized to allow penetration by thehub and wherein the data disc protector inhibits the rotational movementof the retained data disc about the hub.
 20. The data disc storage casekit of claim 16, wherein the protective sheet is made of a compressivematerial that pushes the retained data disc away from the data discretention surface when the data disc retention device is disengaged. 21.The data disc storage case kit claim 16, wherein the protective sheet isa substantially disc-shaped cloth defined by an outer circumference anda substantially concentric inner aperture, the outer edge having adiameter between 4.5 and 5.5 inches and the inner aperture having adiameter between 0.59 and 0.55 inches.
 22. A data disc storage case forstoring a data disc, the data disc having a data surface, the data discstorage case comprising: a front cover; a back cover, the back coverhaving a data disc retention surface and a hub, the hub having a datadisc retention device for engaging and retaining a data disc thereon,the front cover and back cover operable to fold together and enclose adata disc retained on the hub; and a data disc protector having aprotective sheet installed on the hub, wherein the protective sheet,when installed between a retained data disc and the back cover, isoperable to prevent the retained data disc from contacting the data discretention surface.
 23. The data disc storage case of claim 22, whereinthe protective sheet when installed between a retained data disc and theback cover is operable to form a barrier inhibiting the transfer ofhydrocarbons from the data disc retention surface to the data disc. 24.The data disc storage case of claim 23, wherein the protective sheet ismade of a material that traps hydrocarbons.
 25. The data disc storagecase of claim 22, wherein the protective sheet is mounted to the hub viaan aperture sized to allow penetration by the hub and wherein theprotective sheet inhibits the rotational movement of the retained datadisc about the hub.
 26. The data disc storage case of claim 22, whereinthe protective sheet is made of a compressive material that pushes theretained data disc away from the data disc retention surface when thedata disc retention device is disengaged.
 27. The data disc storage caseof claim 22, wherein the protective sheet is a substantially disc-shapedcloth defined by an outer circumference and a substantially concentricinner aperture, the outer edge having a diameter between 4.5 and 5.5inches and the inner aperture having a diameter between 0.59 and 0.55inches.